REVIEW: Indigo Imp Firebrand

So the other weekend I found myself up in Columbus for a graduation party. As I am wont to do when I travel, I took the opportunity to grab a handful of beers that I can't get at home. We have one of those beers today. Firebrand, a Belgian style IPA from Cleveland's Indigo Imp Brewing. And how great is that label with that Mike Mignola-esque little demon? I checked around online just to double check that Indigo Imp's logo wasn't actually drawn by Mignola himself. It's clear that the artist responsible is a big fan. The use of shadow, the harsh, stark, angular linework, the deceptive simplicity. Beautiful stuff. If you dig the art on this label you will undoubtedly enjoy the art of Mike Mignola, one of my all time favorite comic book artists. He's the guy that created Hellboy. Hellboy, and it's sister book B.P.R.D are some of the best comics you'll ever read. Seriously, go check them out. Enough comics talk. To the beer!

REVIEW: Great Lakes Christmas Ale

So the Christmas season is finally upon us. If you are a friend of mine you know how much I love Christmas and all that goes along with it, the music, the movies, the tv specials, the decorations, the tree, all of it. Also, the beer. I think winter/ Christmas seasonals are my favorite of the year. Nothing against spring, summer, and fall beers, there are certainly many that I love dearly. But the beers that come out this time of year? I can't get enough of them. Rich, dark, malty, spicy, most of them rather boozy. Right up my alley. Today's beer is a favorite in this part of the country, Great Lakes Christmas Ale. It's a winter warmer, which is kind of a nebulous style. Anyways, it checks in at 7.5% ABV, 30 IBUs and is brewed with honey, ginger, and cinnamon. To the beer!